Sidney R. Bennett - VP National Milk Sugar Co.

Sidney R. Bennett

 

As vice-president of the National Milk Sugar Company, now a subsidiary of the Borden Company, Sidney R. Bennett continues the traditional association of his family with the management of this organization.  His father was the founder of the company and its active head until his death.

 

Mr. Bennett was born at St. Charles, Illinois, on August 6, 1887, son of Arthur A. and Elinor (Needham) Bennett, both natives of Montpelier, Vermont.  His father, who was born in 1847, established the National Milk Sugar Company in 1885 for the manufacture of milk sugar and other milk products. Originally located in Vermont, the business was moved to St. Charles, Illinois, in 1887, and to Bainbridge, New York, in 1899.  It has since been located in this community.  Arthur A. Bennett died on July 2, 1914, having continued as general manager of the company until his death. Elinor (Needham) Bennett, the mother, was born on December 12, 1863, and died in 1929. 

 

Sidney R. Bennett was educated in the public schools of Bainbridge and at Amherst College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1909.  In the same year he began his association with the National Milk Sugar Company of Bainbridge, serving his apprenticeship in various departments of the company and then moving up to executive positions  He continued with the company after it became a subsidiary of the Borden Company in 1929 and in the following year was elected vice-president, which office, he still fills.  The National Milk Sugar Company has been engaged since its inception in the manufacture of sugar of milk and other milk byproducts.  It is one of the leaders in its field, employing approximately one hundred and fifty persons.

 

Mr. Bennett is a Republican in politics and is affiliated with Bainbridge lodge No. 1222, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Susquehanna lodge, No. 167, Free and Accepted Masons, also at Bainbridge.  In addition to these connections, he is a member of the Exchange Club of Sidney, the Sidney Golf and Country Club and the Chemists' Club of New York.  Although he has never entered public life, he has actively supported many civic causes of the community and has contributed to the work of its institutions.  Mr. Bennett is an Episcopalian in religious faith.  His hobbies are hunting, fishing and golf.

 

On October 21, 1915, he married Isabella Collins, of Bainbridge, daughter of Thomas Collins, then president of the America Separator Company, now retired, and of Elizabeth (Brennan) Collins.

 

Central New York, An Inland Empire, Vol. IV (Lewis Historical Pub. Co., Inc., NY, 1941) p 247.

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Family Obituaries

 

Sidney R. Bennett, 1887 - 1972

Sidney R. Bennett, 85, of 49 West Main St., Bainbridge died Saturday at his home.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Isabelle Bennett of Bainbridge.  He was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Bainbridge and the Norwich Elk's Club  Before his retirement, Mr. Bennett was vice president of the sugar milk division of the Borden Co., Funeral and committal services will be held at the F.J. Terhune Funeral Home, 58 West Main St., Bainbridge, at 2 p.m. Tuesday.  The Rev. Andrus Smith, rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, officiating.  Burial will be in St. Peter's Church Yard Cemetery, Bainbridge.  [Binghamton Press, Oct. 8, 1972)

 

Isabelle (Collins) Bennett, 1892 - 1976

Mrs. Isabella Collins Bennett, 83, 49 West Main St., Bainbridge, died Sunday, July 11, 1976, at The Hospital, Sidney.  She was born November 12, 1892, in Bainbridge, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Brennan) Collins.  She married Sidney Bennett.  He died in 1972.  Mrs. Bennett was a member of St. Johns Roman Catholic Church, Bainbridge.  Surviving are a brother, Edson Collins, Virginia, two cousins and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held at the F.J. Terhune Funeral Home, 59 West Main St., Bainbridge at 11 a.m., Wednesday, with the Rev. William Esposito, pastor of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Bainbridge, officiating.  Burial will be in St. Peter's Church yard, Bainbridge.  A recitation of the Rosary was at 8 p.m. Tuesday.  [Tri-Town News, July 14, 1976]